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The "Mechanical Mirage" an interview with the artist, Kazuhiko Nakamura
MOCA: What led you to digital/ computer art?
KN: I had wanted to be a painter when I was young and created the work by a traditional technique. However, I felt limited in my ability to create the vision that I expected and wanted. I was separated from creating for a really long period.
About 14 years ago, a computer was introduced into my workplace which made it possible to being using 3D software. 3D software is a tool that can magically create any kind of shape I could imagine. I was very attracted to this freedom of expression and became inspired to create art again.
MOCA: Your work has been describe as "Mechanical Mirages." Can you tell us more about your style?
KN: The pixel that constructs a digital image cannot touch it -- unlike paint.
It is a vision without the actual situation such as an "mirage" in desert.
I designed the characters with combined machine and human body parts ruined in the future. I created the images as a portrait or reflection much like a "Historical Memory." The works are "mirages" caused in my mind.
"
Monorogue”
MOCA: What inspires you?
KN: Surrealism, Northern Renaissance, and “Steampunk“...
These art forms are a great influence.
They form impressions that cause various chemical bonds in my head.
Sometimes, I show my work on various websites of the Internet.
If there is a request, I participate in an exhibition. However, if the reaction to my work is not a positive...well then...
MOCA: Can you describe for us your technique?
KN: I assemble a complex work with a lot of smaller parts.
Those parts are then shaped/ modeled in detail by 3d software.
In addition, I add texture to those parts. 3D rendering is done many times while adjusting lighting and camera angles. The final rendered image (divided into some parts) is synthesized with "Photoshop", and the entire tone is adjusted. It seems to be a really long journey to attain the desired effect and work the overall process.
MOCA: Can you tell us more about your preference for 3D effect?
KN: The reason I like 3D software is because I want to create desired shapes easily. This shape realization can be done from all angles using the software. My first works were made with 2D software "Photoshop."
It was a composition of photographic materials.
However, the photograph is too plain a material.
It does not allow me to show it from different viewpoints (angles).
The 3d software enables much creation.
MOCA: Your work is distinctive. In what way does your art set you apart from other artists?
KN: My work is an aggregate of complicated parts and details.
I examine the very smallest parts closely, carefully, and then create it.
As a result, it seems that a finished image brings on a unique atmosphere.
MOCA: How would you respond to criticism of the digital arts?
KN: In the old days, I tried creating artwork in mediums such as drawing and painting with watercolor and oil. In comparison, the time and the labor that I spend on a creation of digital art has not reduced. The computer does not easily calculate the result that I expect. Therefore, I take spend a lot of time working and correcting an image. In digital art one can obtain great possibilities of expression, artist's need a high imagination [in order to realize their goals].
MOCA: What does it mean to you to be "accomplished" as an artist?
KN: This is a very difficult question.
For my living, I have other occupations. And I can create only a few pieces of art.
I am not a professional artist in Japan. It may be my fate, too...
MOCA: Where do you see your own art evolving over the next few years?
KN: Evolution of the CG software is faster than my evolution.
I will take in the possibility of creation by new digital technique as the software evolves.
A more elaborate, more complex image will be able to be constructed.
Maybe, digital art will expand and be expressed on a big scale.
The movement seems to be a huge hologram...
Incidentally, my art may not go about such an extensive evolution...
New work by Kazuhiko Nakamura can be seen at:
Nakamura
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